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Queen Branch Cottage - cozy, renovated farmhouse in private cove!

Overview Photos Map Calendar Rates Amenities Reviews (8)
 
 
 
Franklin farmhouse rental
  • Franklin farmhouse rental
    Mountain View from Front Porch
    Cottage from the backyard, looking across the stream.
    Front Meadow
    Living Room
    Dining Room
  • Franklin farmhouse rental - Kitchen
    Main Floor Bedroom
    Upstairs Bedroom
    2nd upstairs bedroom
    Little Tennessee River
    Needmore tract
  • Franklin farmhouse rental - Appalachian Trail - Wesser Fire tower view
 
Franklin farmhouse rental
Mountain View from Front Porch

Mountain View from Front Porch

Cottage from the backyard, looking across the stream.

Cottage from the backyard, looking across the stream.

Front Meadow

Front Meadow

Living Room

Living Room

Dining Room

Dining Room

Kitchen

Kitchen

Main Floor Bedroom

Main Floor Bedroom

Upstairs Bedroom

Upstairs Bedroom

2nd upstairs bedroom

2nd upstairs bedroom

Little Tennessee River

Little Tennessee River

Needmore tract

Needmore tract

Appalachian Trail - Wesser Fire tower view

Appalachian Trail - Wesser Fire tower view

  • Bedrooms3
  • Sleeps7
  • 1 Bathroom

Photos and Description of the Franklin vacation farmhouse rental
Farmhouse, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath, (Sleeps 6-7)

Queen Branch Cottage is real slice of Southern Appalachian culture nestled in a secluded (but easily accessible)mountain cove in the rural Little Tennessee River valley halfway between Franklin and Bryson City, North Carolina. Named 'Queen Branch' for the stream that runs alongside it,the farmhouse was built in the 1880s and still retains its original character inside and out; but a recent 'green' renovation has made it into a comfortable, and energy-efficient modern home.

In the morning, you can sip your coffee on the porch as you look at the misty mountains and listen to the songbirds sing, and if you’re lucky you’ll catch a glimpse of deer at the edge of the front meadow.

Then, you can spend lazy days fishing, floating, or kayaking in the nearby Little Tennessee River, or swing in the yard and watch the hummingbirds buzz about the flowers. You can also enjoy all the excitement the region has to offer including: kayaking and white water rafting; mountain and road biking; hiking in the Smoky Mountain National Park or on the Appalachian Trail; hunting for rubies and sapphires at a local gem mine; or just taking a scenic drive or train ride; and make sure to take advantage of being in a rural farming community and get your food from the source at a local farm stand. On rainy days, you can relax and listen to rain on the old tin roof, hear the rush of the creek, and when it stops watch the ghostly wisps fog slowly dissipate to expose the mountain vista beyond and understand why they called these mountains “Smoky”.

In the evenings, you can watch the fireflies in the meadow and listen to the whippoorwills’ call to each other as you watch the sun set over the Nantahala Mountain Range turn into a night sky filled with stars.

Whether you are seeking a quiet respite from the city, a romantic weekend, or a great base for your family vacation, Queen Branch cottage is a beautiful, eco-friendly place to stay to create your own fond memories.

Keywords: eco-friendly, historic home

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About Charlie Wallin and Diana Bellgowan

Our family lives in Asheville, North Carolina and we love these mountains!

A few years ago, we discovered this old farmhouse that the local Land Trust and Preservation Society were trying to save and we fell in completely in love. We were struck by the beauty of the rural setting and the simple elegance of the farmhouse, and decided to take on the restoration and combine historic preservation with green building techniques to create a truly special home.

Now, the restoration is complete but our jobs and school keep us away more than we would like, so we've decided to share our home with others. We hope you enjoy your stay at this wonderful place!

Diana, Charlie, and Rennie

Charlie Wallin and Diana Bellgowan purchased this farmhouse in 2008
Overview Photos Map Calendar Rates Amenities Reviews (8)
Franklin farmhouse rental
Mountain View from Front Porch

Mountain View from Front Porch

Cottage from the backyard, looking across the stream.

Cottage from the backyard, looking across the stream.

Front Meadow

Front Meadow

Living Room

Living Room

Dining Room

Dining Room

Kitchen

Kitchen

Main Floor Bedroom

Main Floor Bedroom

Upstairs Bedroom

Upstairs Bedroom

2nd upstairs bedroom

2nd upstairs bedroom

Little Tennessee River

Little Tennessee River

Needmore tract

Needmore tract

Appalachian Trail - Wesser Fire tower view

Appalachian Trail - Wesser Fire tower view

Overview Photos Map Calendar Rates Amenities Reviews (8)
Nearest Point of Interest : Queen Branch Preserve
Nearest Point of Interest : Needmore Tract & Swing Bridge
Nearest Point of Interest : JW Mitchell Farms
Nearest Point of Interest : Rickman's General Store
Nearest Point of Interest : Historic Cowee
Nearest Point of Interest : BP Gas Station
Nearest Point of Interest : Mason Mountain Mine
Nearest Point of Interest : Sheffield Gem Mine
Nearest Point of Interest : Tsali Recreation Area
Nearest Point of Interest : Appalachian Trail & Wesser Fire Tower
Nearest Point of Interest : Nantahala Outdoor Center
Nearest Point of Interest : Deep Creek GSMNP
Nearest Point of Interest : Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
Nearest Point of Interest : Nantahala Brewing Company
Nearest Point of Interest : Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Car: necessary

near local gem mining; fishing, canoeing and tubing on Little Tennessee River, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, mountain biking at Tsali, and rafting/kayaking on the Nantahala River

Overview Photos Map Calendar Rates Amenities Reviews (8)
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Overview Photos Map Calendar Rates Amenities Reviews (8)

Rental Rates for this vacation farmhouse rental in Franklin, North Carolina

Payment is usually accepted in the quoted currency () unless the currency and the amount is specifically agreed in advance with the owner / advertiser.

Notes

  • $110/nt
  • US Dollars
  • $110/night (3 night minimum)
  • $770 weekly
  • $1600 Monthly (Available monthly only November through April)
  • Additional NC and Macon County taxes to be applied
  • Checks, or Cash or Credit Cards accepted via Paypal.
Overview Photos Map Calendar Rates Amenities Reviews (8)

Accommodation and Amenities for this vacation farmhouse rental in Franklin, North Carolina

Property Type:
  • farmhouse
Location Type:
  • Water View ...
    Across the road from the Little Tennessee River and Queen Branch Creek runs through the property.
  • Mountain View ...
    House is set in a mountain cove with distant mountain views from front porch and forested slope views and creek views at sides and back.
General:
  • Parking Off Street
  • Free Long Distance
  • Washing Machine
  • Clothes Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Air Conditioning
  • Linens Provided
Kitchen:
  • Dishwasher
  • Refrigerator
  • Kitchen
  • Ice Maker
  • Cooking Utensils
Bathrooms:
  • 1 Bathroom
  • Bathroom 1 -
  • 1
Bedrooms:
  • 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 7
  • Queen size Beds (2) Main Floor Bedroom & one Upper floor bedroom have queen sized beds, Double Beds (1) Second upper floor bedroom has double/full bed, Sleep Sofa or Futons (1) Full-sized futon in Family Room upstairs
Entertainment:
  • Television
  • DVD Player
  • Video Library
Outside:
  • Outdoor Grill
  • Deck / Patio
  • Lanai / Gazebo ...
    Covered Front Porch & rear deck w/ creek view
Suitability:
  • pets considered
  • children welcome
  • non smoking only ...
    Smoking is allowed outdoors only.
  • Minimum Age Limit for Renters ...
    Renters must be at least 25 years of age.
Attractions:
  • botanical garden
  • churches
Leisure Activities:
  • boating
  • bird watching
  • eco tourism
  • scenic drives
  • walking
  • horseback riding
  • wildlife viewing
  • antiquing
  • sight seeing
Local Services & Businesses:
  • ATM/bank
  • groceries
Sports & Adventure Activities:
  • mountain biking
  • kayaking
  • rafting
  • cycling
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • mountaineering
  • water tubing
  • swimming
  • mountain climbing
  • whitewater rafting
Notes: Washer/Dryer in unit, two bedrooms have queen beds and the other has a full-sized bed, plus a full-sized futon in family room, secluded location on 8 acres of conserved woodlands, a rushing creek runs next to the house, fire pit, public access to Little Tennessee River and acres of conserved meadow lands across the road, children welcome, pets welcome
Overview Photos Map Calendar Rates Amenities Reviews (8)

Reviews for this vacation farmhouse rental in Franklin, North Carolina

Queen Branch Cottage - cozy, renovated farmhouse in private cove!
average rating of 4.8 based on 8 reviews
business
Queen Branch Cottage - cozy, renovated farmhouse in private cove!
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p337772vb
+1 (828)275-1971
Franklin Smoky Mountains
Guest Comment Entered by Owner
3

AT Hiking

Submitted: March 5, 2012 Stayed: October 2011
Three old friends here to hike sections of the AT. What a wonderful home to come back to at the end of the day!We loved your book about the area but mostly about this historic house. Thanks so much for the fully-equipped kitchen - we cooked delicious dinners every night and loved having the staples/condiments already stocked.

It was a great time with great friends, great food and great accommodations.
business
Queen Branch Cottage - cozy, renovated farmhouse in private cove!
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p337772vb
+1 (828)275-1971
Franklin Smoky Mountains
West Palm Beach, Fla.
5

One of a kind

5 of 5
Submitted: August 16, 2011 Stayed: August 2011
We could not have been happier with our stay at Queen Branch Cottage.
The place is a beauty. It is steeped in the history of the pioneers came before and lovingly restored by its modern-day owners.
There is plenty to enjoy on the property: cool mornings on the front porch, the pleasure of cooking a meal in the thoughtfully designed kitchen, the quiet of the evening. This may sound crazy, but we even enjoyed the most mundane chores of clearing dishes, doing laundry and gathering tinder for a fire.
And it is easy driving distance to hiking, tubing, fishing, sight-seeing, antiquing, music - everything the Smoky Mountain area has to offer.
Thank you to Diana, Charlie and Rennie for opening their one-of-a-kind home.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: We couldn't agree more - there is something very wonderful and peaceful about our little cottage and we're happy when others can enjoy it too!
business
Queen Branch Cottage - cozy, renovated farmhouse in private cove!
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p337772vb
+1 (828)275-1971
Franklin Smoky Mountains
Knoxville, TN
5

a getaway!

5 of 5
Submitted: July 1, 2011 Stayed: June 2011
It is hard to describe in words how much we enjoyed our stay at Queen Branch Cottage. What an amazing 4 days of total relaxation---exploring, reading, resting, grilling, learning to fish again (after 40 years, learning about this special part of the mountains and enjoying the home you so beautifully put back together. What a great result and obviously a labor of love, and so well crafted, by far the best home on Route 28! The early morning fog and haze burning off to gorgeous days, the sound of the creek outside tumbling down the mountain, fireflies in the evening, and the incredible landscape. We are grateful for this opportunity and hope everyone enjoys this place as much as we did.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Adventure Seekers, Sightseeing, Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: There REALLY is something about the sound of that creek, the view of those mountains, and the flashing fireflies in the meadow that makes you forgot your troubles and stresses and lets you just relax and enjoy life!
Helpful votes: 1/1
business
Queen Branch Cottage - cozy, renovated farmhouse in private cove!
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p337772vb
+1 (828)275-1971
Franklin Smoky Mountains
Guest Comment Entered by Owner
0

Submitted: June 25, 2011 Stayed: June 2011
This was a wonderful place to stay for our family. My son had been studying abroad in Scotland, my middle daughter away at college and interning at Highlands, my youngest daughter super busy this last year in high school. It was the first time we had been together as a family for quite some time and well needed. We often rent in the mountains for vacation and my son commented that this way his favorite place we have stayed. We went no where, rested, took walks at the Preserve, played croquet in the rain, and sat on the porch listening to the creek and looking at the stars. We sang on the porch while my son strummed guitar. A lovely respite and time together.
business
Queen Branch Cottage - cozy, renovated farmhouse in private cove!
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p337772vb
+1 (828)275-1971
Franklin Smoky Mountains
Asheville, NC
5

Sweet & Easy Getaway

Sweet & Easy Getaway
5 of 5
Submitted: April 24, 2011 Stayed: April 2011
Super charming getaway. What a great place to sit back and enjoy just breathing. Incredible restoration job on this little piece of history. Many times throughout the long weekend we felt we'd stepped back in time. That said, the kitchen and bathroom were well stocked with all the modern day amenities. It was especially good sleeping in the upstairs bedroom with the window open and sounds of the flowing creek to lull one to sleep. The bead board walls and ceiling upstairs felt both cozy and like the kind of walls that have stories... good stories. We really enjoyed the sparse, yet perfect decor of the interior. Life is full of man-made things to look at and take in, and the simplicity at the cottage felt like the perfect respite from a visually overloaded world.

Had a great fire in the outdoor fire pit. The stars, the stars.... incredible show with several shooting stars. Next time we bring our telescope.

It should be pointed out that Hwy 28, a scenic byway, passes 100+ yards in front of the house. But honestly it didn't feel invasive. I imagined that those who were traveling down this byway by bicycle, motorcycle or car were taking in the same beauty that we were-intentionally as well. The Little River Trust land and the mountains that lay beyond the front of the house are a huge bonus. When not reading on the front porch, I found myself staring at the meadow and mountains, listening to all the birds, and escaping from hurried everyday life.

There are games to play, a great swing out front, a good selection of reading material and the back deck was great for yoga. We look forward to coming back in the summer for tubing down the river, fall for the view and spring for the unfold of it all again. Look forward to sharing it with others as well. It's a great place for a small group of friends, family or just for two.

Thanks Charlie, Diana and Rennie for putting so much love and hard work into this home and then sharing it with the rest of us.
Recommended for:  Pet-friendly, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: It's always nice to see the cottage through someone else'e eyes. And, it's a good point to mention that a two lane scenic highway runs along the property - we like it because it make the cottage easy to access in any weather - and it's a great bike route! Every year in mid-May, it is fun to see the Ruby Ride & Run pass by out front.
Helpful votes: 1/1
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